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Explorer Winter Camp 2017

Well the weather had certainly taken a turn to a more wintery variety as we headed towards the Explorer Winter Camp at Roughton Mill last weekend. We had enjoyed some flurries of snow, but thankfully nothing which would jeopardise the running of the camp although we were concerned to hear of the flood warnings and evacuations along the North Norfolk coast.

Nevertheless, the Explorers (16 from three of the District Units) began arriving at the Mill from 19:00 on Friday evening. Of course, the tents needed to be erected and soon they were all set up and we retreated to the HQ to warm up for the rest of the evening. A hot supper, jacket potatoes and a film and all were ready for bed.

Saturday dawned….to the news that, although the high tides were not as severe as forecasted, there was still damage on the coast and unfortunately it was sleeting on and off. This resulted in our planned abseiling down the tower during the afternoon being postponed to be reconsidered for Sunday morning. Catapults and Shooting competitions during the morning took us to lunch and afterwards we set off on a hike to Cromer.

Although it was cold (freezing actually!!) it was a bright sunny afternoon. Once in Cromer we split into groups and set off with our challenge in hand….by the time we set off back to the Mill the sun was starting to dip in the sky – of course as Scouts – always prepared we had bought our torches!

Once back a few games of ping-pong…

Saturday night is always WII night on Winter Camp and once again didn’t fail to entertain! Many will remember fondly Leader Delph on the floor out-performing the Explorers….

Sunday – and the weather did us no favours – it was miserable – more rain and sleet showers which put paid (as expected) to our abseiling. So to Plan B: Archery, Shooting and a Forum with DESC Martin who had joined us on camp. We hadn’t made a very early start as the Explorers (well some of them) did struggle to get out of their sleeping bags after the excitement the night before!

We had a late lunch and then had to break Camp for a 15:00 pick up. Another great weekend camping in more challenging conditions than is usual, but all thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for the invite Explorers!